Columbus East High School

Just like the boys squad, the Columbus East girls cross-country team officially got their season underway Wednesday night at the Brown County Challenge Invite, bringing home a 3rd-place overall team finish. Competing in the relay-style Hokum Karem format—where pairs of runners alternate 2.5k legs to complete 5k total—the Olympians showed off impressive pack running and team depth across the board: London Kareus & Lily Pendleton led the way for East, earning a 14th-place finish with a time of 22:18.6. Elizabeth Sztaba & Trinity Burns packed up closely behind, crossing the line in 17th place at 23:18.9. Abby Collins & Brooke Newell rounded out the strong group effort, finishing 19th overall in 23:49.1. With three duos placing inside the top 20, the Lady O's put together a solid performance from top to bottom to kick off the fall season. Columbus East will look to carry this early momentum into their upcoming full 5k meets.